Pneumatic trash-garbage pickup device

ABSTRACT

This invention pertains to a mechanized mobile pneumatic pickup apparatus for solid waste such as trash and garbage. In essence, the apparatus comprises a unique combination of an automotive truck, a movable flexible intake conduit, compaction means, and pneumatic means for moving trash and garbage from collecting stations through the intake conduit into the truck, all units actuated by a single power source.

United States Patent 1191 Boon [451 Nov. 12, 1974 PNEUMATICTRASH-GARBAGE PICKUP DEVICE [75] Inventor: Bruce Theodore Edward Boon,

Wayne, NJ.

[731 Assignee: Eastern Cyclone Industries, Inc.,

Fairfield, NJ.

I22] Filed: Mar. 7, 1973 121 1 Appl. NOS 338,967

[52] US. Cl 214/302, 15/340, 214/82, 214/8328, 214/833, 214/310, 214/518[51 1 Int. Cl B65f 3/02 [58] Field of Search 214/41, 83.28, 302, 310;15/340; 302/58 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,657,0131/1928 Kettle 141/312X 2,525,372 10/1950 Riddell 214/8328 3,370,5252/1968 Bowles 214/833 X 3,506,998 4/1970 Perry 15/340 X 3,613,91510/1971 Vita 214/41 3,688,802 9/1972 Bauman et a1 214/41 X PrimaryExaminer-Robert G. Sheridan Attorney, Agem, or Firm-James M. Heilman;William O. Heilman [57] ABSTRACT This invention pertains to a mechanizedmobile pneumatic pickup apparatus for solid waste such as trash andgarbage. In essence, the apparatus comprises a unique combination of anautomotive truck, a movable flexible intake conduit, compaction means,and pneumatic means for moving trash and garbage from collectingstations through the intake conduit into the truck, all units actuatedby a single power source.

7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures MOTOR DRlVEN VEHICLE P NOV 12 IBM MENTEDSHEET l 0F 4 7 1 PNEUMATIC TRASH-GARBAGE PICKUP DEVICE Thepresentinvention is broadly concerned with the more economical and moreefficient method for the collection of solidwaste such as trash andgarbage from collection stations, such as trash-.andgarbage canspositioned at the curbs in residential, industrial and commercial areas.The invention is more specifically concemed with aunique apparatus forcollecting trash and garbage which comprisesin combination an automotivetruck, a movable flexible intake conduit, compaction means and apneumatic system for passing the trash and garbage from the collectingstations, storage containers, barrels, or any storage units forcontaining trash, through the conduit to within the truck, all elementspreferably being activated by a single power source engine.

It is wellknown in-the artthat the collection of solid waste such astrash and garbagerequire a tremendous amount-ofman-hours-in allsegmentsof trash collection areas. The costs of such collections aresoaring and every effort is being exerted to control these rising costs.The present invention is concerned with a unique apparatus which willpneumatically collect the refuse or solid waste from refuse cansordisposable plastic containers, or other containing devices, positionedata curb line, storage lot, or other collecting point, thus greatlyreducing the man-hours required thereby effecting substantial savings inthis field.

The present invention may be fully understood by referencetoth'edrawingsillustrating one adaptation-of the same.

FIG. 1 is a view in elevation, while FIG. .2 is a top view of theapparatus.

FIG. 3 illustratesanother adaptationofthe invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an adaptation wherein the rear storagecompartmentcomprises a removable unit while the mechanized sectioncomprises a permanent fixed unit.

FIG. shows in some detail conventional spring loaded guides whichmaintain receptacle stability while being unloaded.

' Referring specifically to FIG. 1, apparatus is conventionally mountedon a truck chassis (not shown), motivated by a suitable power enginesource (not shown). Apparatus 10 comprises in combination a pick-upconduit 1 which is adapted to rotate about swivel 2 in a horizontalplane, and about swivel 3 in a vertical plane. Pick-up conduit 1comprises a horizontal member 4 which may be telescopic in constructionand a vertical member 5 which is preferably telescopic in constructionso as to be readily adjustable to efficiently pick up from receptaclesof varying heights.

Horizontal member 4 comprises an inboard section 24and an outboardsection 25. Section 25 telescopes within section 24 by connectingsealing means 26. Out board section 25 is moved by horizontal rod 27which in turn is activated by suitable means from the control cab.

Vertical member 5 comprises a lower section 28 and an upper section 29.Section 28 telescopes within section 29 by connecting sealing means 30.Section 28 is moved by rod or cable 31 which in turn is activated bysuitable means from the control cab. Rods 27 and 31 could be replaced bya portable control at or near the nozzle.

A desirable adaptation with respect to lower section 28 is to havespring loaded guides 32 (which exert a downward thrust) seat over theupper edge of trash can 33 to prevent its being sucked upwardly. As thelower end of lower section 28 moves downwardly in receptacle 33 suckingup the trash these guides will move in guide channels along the outersurface of section 28. Thus, the can or receptacle is held firmly as thelower end of 28 moves downwardly in the can removing the trash.

Apparatus 10 comprisesa fan or blower 6 driven by shaft 7 which isdriven from a conventional power pack, not shown, which in turn isdriven by the power source engine. Fan 6 produces a sufficient vacuumthrough conduit 1 so as to pneumatically move solid waste from curbcontainers. through conduit 1 into perforated upper chamber 8. Theconveying air passes through perforations 9 and is removed from theapparatus l 0 through filters l1 and 12 (FIG. 2).

The solid waste may be continually allowed to pass into lower chamber 14or at periodic intervalsby suitable gate control means when thecompactor 15 is in position (a). The compactor 15 is activated fromposition (a) to (b) by means of compactor rod 16 whichis driven from thepower pack.

Thus, compactor 15 forces and compacts the solid waste in waste storagearea 20 for transportation to a suitable disposal area. At the disposalarea the solid waste is ejectedfrom storage area 20 by means of ram 22actuated by piston element 17 which rotates about "xis 23. A preferredadaptation is a structure or mecha nism 22 which willmove to rear door21 thereby completely ejecting all trash.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with identicalnumbers designating identical elements. Filters 11 and 12 are clearlyshown.

Referring specifically to FIG. 3, the solid waste is introduced intowaste storage area 4-1 through conduit42 by means of blower or fan 43powered by shaft 44 in a manner as described heretofore. The air passesthrough perforations 40 in screen 34 and is ejected into the atmosphereor through a-filter medium. Plunger 36, activated by shaft 37 serves tocompact the solid waste when it is being loaded by having rear gate 38securely closed when 36 moves from position (a) to (b)or to anyintermediate point. Plunger 36 functions also to unload the solid wasteat the disposal area by opening rear gate 38.

A very desirable apparatus comprises in combination the apparatusdescribed and the use of cans or receptacles having spring loaded hingedlids or tops. Thus the initial vacuum contact will open the lid againstthe force of the spring or equivalent loaded guides 32 which are to bepositioned on the upper side of the can. This permits the insertion oftube section 28 into the can for the removal of the trash or solid wasteas described above. Generally the vacuum pressure to open the lid wouldbe about 1/10 to A of the vacuum pressure necessary to remove the trash.The full vacuum pressure of about 30 to 50, inches such as about 40 inchwater gauge is attained after the lid is opened. Upon removal of thelower section 28; the lid under the thrust of the spring, or suitablecenter balanced lid would automatically close thus greatly increasingthe sanitary conditions as compared "to open emptytrash cans.

Referring specifically to FIG. 4, a modification of the apparatus shownin FIG. 1 is illustrated. The rear compartment 20 (Section C) comprisesa removable unit. The mechanical section B comprises a fixed permanentsection on the automotive unit. A drop door 50 functions to close offopening A when Section C is removed by a suitable crane or equivalentmechanical means from Section B. An empty second section C is thenmounted for use, while the full section C is transported to the disposalarea. This adaptation permits maximum usage of the expensive mechanicalequipment thereby securing great economical advantages.

PK]. 5 shows the employment of conventional spring loaded guides incombination with the lower section 28 and the trash can 33 in order tosecure rigid can stability while the can is being unloaded. Referring toFIG. 5, guides 32 of substantial L-shape configuration seat over theupper edge of can 33. These guides have heads 50 which are verticallymovably fixed within guide channels or housings 52. These housings orguide channels 52 are rigidly affixed to lower section 28 and have slotsin their outer faces to permit the housings or guide channels to movedownwardly above the horizontal sections of the guides holding the can,when lower section 28 is lowered. Springs 51 within housings 52 arecompressed as 28 moves downwardly and thus an increasingly greaterdownward thrust is exerted on can 33 as 28 moves downwardly which isvery desirable.

Thus, the present invention is concerned with a pneumatic pick-upapparatus which comprises in combination a conveying truck, a compactorelement, and unloading element, an activated from a single power source.The pick-up conduit is readily adjustable as to position at any pointboth as to height and location. The invention will secure a dramaticdecrease in manhours required to collect any fixed amount of solid wastethereby decreasing costs of collection, and in addition will be moresanitary.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. Pneumatic pickup apparatus for collecting solid waste and trash whichcomprises in combination a motor driven vehicle, a body mounted on saidvehicle, a pneumatic conveying conduit extending from the top of saidbody to solid waste positioned outside said body, a fan positionedwithin said body adapted to exert a vacuum pressure to move said wasteto within said body through said conduit, and compaction means withinsaid body to compact said waste, wherein said waste is positioned withina receptacle, wherein said conduit comprises a telescopic horizontalmember and a telescopic vertical member, and wherein movable pressureloaded guides are attached to said vertical member by means of guidechannels rigidly affixed along the outer surface of said verticalmember, said guides adapted to seat rigidly over the top of saidreceptacle as the lower end of said vertical member moves downwardlyinto said receptacle.

2. Pneumatic solid waste pickup apparatus for collecting solid wastewhich comprises in combination a motor driven vehicle, a body mounted onsaid vehicle and having a forward compartment and a rear compartment, apneumatic conveying conduit extending from the top of said forwardcompartment to waste positioned outside said body, and a fan positionedin said forward compartment adapted to exert a vacuum to move said wasteinside said forward compartment through said conduit, wherein said wasteis positioned within a receptacle, wherein said conduit comprises atelescopic horizontal member, and a telescopic vertical member, andwherein movable spring loaded guides are attached to said verticalmember by means of guide channels rigidly affixed along the outersurface of said vertical member, said guides being adapted to seatrigidly over the top of said receptacle as the lower end of saidvertical member moves downwardly into said receptacle.

3. Pneumatic solid waste pickup apparatus for collecting solid wastewhich comprises in combination a motor driven vehicle, a motor mountedon said vehicle and having a forward compartment and a rear compartment,a pneumatic conveying conduit extendingfrom the top of said forwardcompartment to waste positioned outside said body, and a fan positionedin said forward compartment adapted to exert a vacuum pressure to movesaid waste inside said forward compartment through said conduit whereinsaid forward compartment comprises a perforated upper chamber incommunication with said conveying conduit adapted to separate theconveying air from the solid waste, and a lower chamber into which thesolid waste passes, and a compactor ram which moves horizontally throughsaid lower chamber and forces said solid waste into said rearcompartment, and wherein said waste is positioned within a receptacle,wherein said conduit comprises a telescopic horizontal member and atelescopic vertical member, and movable spring loaded guides attached tosaid vertical member by means of guide channels rigidly affixed alongthe outer surface of said vertical member, which guides seat rigidlyover the top of said receptacle as the lower end of said vertical membermoves downwardly into said receptacle.

4. Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said pressure loaded guidesare spring loaded.

5. Apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein openings exist in saidcompartments permitting passage of solid waste from said forwardcompartment to said rear compartment.

6. Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein doors are provided in therespective compartments to close said openings.

7. Apparatus as defined by claim 6 wherein said rear compartment ischaracterized by being detachable from said apparatus.

1. Pneumatic pickup apparatus for collecting solid waste and trash whichcomprises in combination a motor driven vehicle, a body mounted on saidvehicle, a pneumatic conveying conduit extending from the top of saidbody to solid waste positioned outside said body, a fan positionedwithin said body adapted to exert a vacuum pressure to move said wasteto within said body through said conduit, and compaction means withinsaid body to compact said waste, wherein said waste is positioned withina receptacle, wherein said conduit comprises a telescopic horizontalmember and a telescopic vertical member, and wherein movable pressureloaded guides are attached to said vertical member by means of guidechannels rigidly affixed along the outer surface of said verticalmember, said guides adapted to seat rigidly over the top of saidreceptacle as the lower end of said vertical member moves downwardlyinto said receptacle.
 2. Pneumatic solid waste pickup apparatus forcollecting solid waste which comprises in combination a motor drivenvehicle, a body mounted on said vehicle and having a forward compartmentand a rear compartment, a pneumatic conveying conduit extending from thetop of said forward compartment to waste positioned outside said body,and a fan positioned in said forward compartment adapted to exert avacuum to move said waste inside said forward compartment through saidconduit, wherein said waste is positioned within a receptacle, whereinsaid conduit comprises a telescopic horizontal member, and a telescopicvertical member, and wherein movable spring loaded guides are attachedto said vertical member by means of guide channels rigidly affixed alongthe outer surface of said vertical member, said guides being adapted toseat rigidly over the top of said receptacle as the lower end of saidvertical member moves downwardly into said receptacle.
 3. Pneumaticsolid waste pickup apparatus for collecting solid waste which comprisesin combination a motor driven vehicle, a motor mounted on said vehicleand having a forward compartment and a rear compartment, a pneumaticconveying conduit extending from the top of said forward compartment towaste positioned outside said body, and a fan positioned in said forwardcompartment adapted to exert a vacuum pressure to move said waste insidesaid forward compartment through said conduit wherein said forwardcompartment comprises a perforated upper chamber in communication withsaid conveying conduit adapted to separate the conveying air from thesolid waste, and a lower chamber into which the solid waste passes, anda compactor ram which moves horizontally through said lower chamber andforces said solid waste into said rear compartment, and wherein saidwaste is positioned within a receptacle, wherein said conduit comprisesa telescopic horizontal member and a telescopic vertical member, andmovable spring loaded guides attached to said vertical member by meansof guide channels rigidly affixed along the outer surface of saidvertical member, which guides seat rigidly over the top of saidreceptacle as the lower end of said vertical member moves downwardlyinto said receptacle.
 4. Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein saidpressure loaded guides are spring loaded.
 5. Apparatus as defined byclaim 2 wherein openings exist in said compartments permitting passageof solid waste from said forward compartment to said rear compartment.6. Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein doors are provided in therespective compartments to close said openings.
 7. Apparatus as definedby claim 6 wherein said rear compartment is characterized by beingdetachable from said apparatus.